Newport City Council ratifies two staff positions, approves contracts and schedule

The Newport City Council on its December meeting ratified two staffing decisions, approved an interlocal contract with neighboring Coventry, and set next year’s meeting calendar.

Council voted to ratify creation of a 40‑hour‑per‑week administrative firefighter position and to create an internal grants manager role; both motions were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Council later approved posting the administrative firefighter job and confirmed a job description will accompany the posting.

Mayor and staff presented a 2025 meeting schedule (meetings Jan. 6–Dec. 15, with an informational meeting March 3 and an annual meeting March 4). The council discussed and amended a small number of dates before approving the calendar.

On interlocal services, council approved the 2025 fire department contract with Coventry; staff said the only changes from the prior year were dates and authorized signatories and the mayor said the city would notify Coventry after approval. Council also made a tentative selection of New England Municipal Consultants for the citywide reappraisal, approving the choice pending final contract negotiations and explicit contract language to be returned to the council for final authorization.

Other procedural items approved by vote included corrections to an agenda citation and adding a tobacco license to the consent agenda. Council authorized the unwinding of a 2023 tax sale for 122 Hinman Street and directed staff to issue a warrant for $4,551.03 to allow the purchaser to obtain clear title.

Council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes of Dec. 2, 2024, multiple AP warrants, payroll warrants, and a set of liquor and vendor permits.

The council set its next regular meeting for Jan. 6, 2025, and adjourned at 8:59 p.m.